You did it! February 6th, 2007
Just a few weeks ago, I declared myself a candidate for the Dartmouth College Board of Trustees. Unlike the slate of “endorsed” candidates nominated in December by an official committee, I entered the race without any endorsements from any group, and my place on the ballot wasn’t guaranteed. In order to appear on the ballot as an independent petition candidate, I had to find at least 500 alumni to take time away from their busy lives to petition the College (in the right color ink — no black allowed!) to add my name to the ballot. Time was of the essence because the filing deadline was a few short weeks away, on February 2nd.
As I knew they would, our alumni rose to the occasion. The petitions came pouring in from across the country and, indeed, from around the world. The response was truly humbling, and I can’t thank you enough for your support–and, more importantly, for your dedication to making Dartmouth the very best place in the world to get an education. The love that alumni have for their College was unmistakable: they know that Dartmouth is a very special place and that, as the College evolves to meet changing needs, we must be vigilant to preserve the defining characteristics of the Dartmouth experience that have made our College great.
Thanks to your efforts, I am pleased to announce that I have filed with the College the requisite number of signatures to appear on the ballot this Spring. This means that you will have an independent choice when balloting occurs this spring. In trustee elections, as in political elections, choice is a good thing.
Now the campaign officially begins. I firmly believe alumni have the right to know where those who would serve them as trustees stand on the issues facing the College. In that spirit, I will continue doing what I’ve been doing until now–namely, listening to what alumni want for their College and talking openly and concretely about the critical issues facing Dartmouth. Please demand no less of the “endorsed” candidates.
In embarking on this campaign, I place my trust in the fairness and good judgment of the men and women of Dartmouth. I am confident that they will look beyond partisan attacks and vote for the candidate who will treat membership on the Board not as a honor bestowed for past service or accomplishments, but rather as a position of trust to be used to work towards excellence in every aspect of life at the College. If they do, then, regardless of the outcome of this election, Dartmouth will win–and that, ultimately, is all that matters in my judgment.
Onward for Dartmouth!
